Google’s Algorithm Leak And What It Means For Travel SEO
By Brennen Bliss is the CEO of Propellic
If you're in marketing, you've likely heard about the recent Google API documentation leak. On May 27, SEO practitioner Erfan Azimi exposed more than 2,500 pages of Google’s internal API documentation, providing unprecedented insights into how the search giant’s algorithm functions.
It's worth noting that many details in the leak contradict Google's past public commentary. However, Google has confirmed that these documents are indeed from its internal sources. The key takeaway for the travel industry is that success in SEO requires a multifaceted approach, beyond simply producing high-quality content.
How the leak occurred
The leaked documents were initially uploaded to GitHub on March 27, 2024, and remained accessible until May 7, 2024. The repository, published under the Apache 2.0 license, allowed anyone who found it to use, modify and distribute the documents freely. This is a cached version here: Google API Content Warehouse.
Erfan Azimi discovered and shared this treasure trove of information, highlighting significant aspects of Google’s search algorithm.
Key findings from the Google API docs leak
Clicks & CTR matter: Click-through rates (CTR) and user interactions play a significant role in search rankings. The leaked documents reveal Google’s NavBoost algorithm, which utilizes clickstream data to evaluate user engagement. This underscores the importance of engaging content and intuitive site design to maintain user interest.
Domain age: Older domains might have an advantage in search rankings. The documentation indicates that domain age is indeed a factor, highlighting the value of maintaining established web properties for long-term strategic planning.
